What is pelvic organ prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse is the name given to the condition in which the vagina and the surrounding organs lose their support and fall from their normal positions. For many women, prolapse can include descent of the uterus, vagina, bladder and/or rectum resulting in a "bulging" sensation within the vagina. In some cases, protrusion (obvious bulging) of these organs can occur. Pelvic organ prolapse can result in symptoms including urinary leakage, constipation, and difficulty with intercourse.

Laparoscopic colpopexy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that provides a safe and durable method for reconstruction of the pelvic floor and its contents without the need for a large abdominal incision. The goal of laparoscopic colpopexy is to re-suspend the vagina and pelvic organs through the key-hole incisions. In certain circumstances, a simultaneous hysterectomy, bladder suspension, or rectocele (rectum) repair may be required, all of which can be accomplished through a vaginal approach.

Pelvic organ prolapse is the loss of support in the pelvis. In this video, Nathan Guerette, MD, a urogynecologist at Chippenham & Johnston-Willis Hospitals, talks about which organs can be affected, including the bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum.

Pelvic organ prolapse is when the uterus, bladder or the rectum fall through the vaginal opening, says Victor Grigoriev, MD, a urologist at MountainView Hospital. In this video, he says that one, two or all three organs could be involved.

Pelvic organ prolapse (or prolapse or pelvic prolapse) is when the pelvic organs are no longer held in place by the pelvic floor muscles. This usually happens after years of activity, childbirth, and menopause. The organs begin to fall (or "prolapse") into the vagina.

In pelvic organ prolapse, there is a weakening of the support structures of the vagina. Organs that are supported by the vaginal structures -- such as the bladder or uterus -- then "fall" or protrude into the vaginal canal. (If it's the bladder, this is called a cystocele or anterior vaginal prolapse. If it's the uterus, this is called uterine prolapse.) The protruding organ is covered by vaginal tissue, so doctors can see a bulge but not the organ.

Women can have a combination of several organs being prolapsed, and the symptoms depend on the organ that is prolapsed and the degree of prolapse.

Pelvic organ prolapse or vaginal prolapse occurs in women when the muscles and tissues that hold the pelvic organs in place begin to weaken. Subsequently, the uterus, bladder and rectum may press against the vaginal walls, causing them to protrude into the vagina. Treatment options depend on the type and degree of prolapse and include nonsurgical and surgical therapies. Some women have prolapse that does not cause them any symptoms and may not require treatment.

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Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the condition in which any organs in the pelvis/vagina are "falling". When a patient has bladder prolapse, uterine, or vaginal prolapse, or rectal prolapse it can be considered POP. The downward descent of the pelvic or vaginal organs can cause a significant amount of problems with pelvic pressure, pelvic pain, problems with bladder or bowel emptying, pain with intercourse, and a noted bulging or protrusion of the organs into the vagina. The most common cause of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is child birth. The delivery of a baby through the vagina can cause tearing of the connective tissue surrounding the pelvic organs which would subsequently cause a hernia of the bladder, the bowels, or the rectum into the vagina. These hernias and/or tears in the connective tissue is what causes pelvic organ prolapse. Other causes of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) are obesity, chronic straining, weak connective tissue disorders, smoking, or some types of vaginal or gynecologic surgeries. A hysterectomy can increase a patient's risk of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) because the connective tissue is disrupted at the apex of the vagina and if not properly repaired or reapproximated then there can be a weakness of the apex of the vagina causing future pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) may cause the vagina, uterus, urethra, small intestine, and rectum to drop below their normal position, possibly causing stress incontinence. The prolapsed organs are covered with vaginal skin, so they just look like big bulges in any of the five areas mentioned below. If you have POP, you may feel as though you are “sitting on an egg.”

There are five main areas/types of prolapse, and you may have one or a combination of them:

• Cystocele - The bladder drops down into the vagina, resulting in incomplete emptying of the bladder and a possible urinary tract infection. A cystocele may become worse with time.

• Cystourethrocele - The lower part of the urethra drops down into the vagina. This is also usually associated with a cystocoele.

• Uterine prolapse - The uterus and cervix drop down into the vagina, resulting in urinary urgency and frequency. If you have had a hysterectomy, your vagina may prolapse, since it is located in the mid compartment of your pelvic area above the (now removed) uterus.

As many as one-third of women at midlife have some kind of pelvic organ prolapse -- a condition in which uterine, bladder, urethral, or rectal tissue protrudes into the vagina. It is one of the most common causes of incontinence.

The risk of pelvic organ prolapse increases with age, and it's more common in women who've given birth vaginally. Other contributing factors may include family history, excess weight, weak connective tissue, chronic constipation, and an occupation that requires heavy lifting.

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the female reproductive system is highly fragile and vulnerable to a number of infections, injuries and diseases. For this reason, it is crucial to visit your doctor annually, and take good care of your reproductive health. Health practices like having an annual pap smear and practicing safe sex can reduce your risk of many reproductive health problems. If you experience uncomfortable symptoms in your pelvic region including pain, itching, or unusual discharge, call your doctor. While some itching or discharge can be normal, these symptoms can sometimes be indicative of problems that need medical treatment.